Phylogeny, Neoprobe announce collaboration to develop head and neck cancer detection technology

Jun 18 2010

Phylogeny, the in situ company, and Neoprobe (OTCBB: NEOP), a diversified developer of innovative biomedical surgical oncology products, announce their collaboration to develop head and neck cancer detection technology.

“We are fortunate to have local access to renowned clinics and companies that can help support clinical efforts for a product from inception to the clinic”

Neoprobe is currently in Phase III clinical trials to determine the efficacy of Lymphoseek's ability to improve cancer detection and outcome of patients with head and neck tumors. Lymphoseek is a proprietary radiopharmaceutical, which enables improved medical imaging of cancer cells within the lymphatic system.

Phylogeny will evaluate Lymphoseek's accuracy in detecting metastatic cells, an important step for FDA approval. Additionally, Phylogeny will act as a central pathology lab for Neoprobe's clinical trial.

"It is rare to have two companies that have such complimentary expertise and technologies just a few miles apart," commented Dr. Adel Mikhail, CEO of Phylogeny.

"We are fortunate to have local access to renowned clinics and companies that can help support clinical efforts for a product from inception to the clinic," said Dr. Fred Cope, Vice President, Pharmaceutical Research and Clinical Development.

Neoprobe has additionally contracted with The Ohio State University for clinical studies and with Cardinal Health for distribution of Lymphoseek.

American Society of Clinical Oncology estimates head and neck cancer accounts for about 5% of all cancers in the United States.